Author Topic: I finally scored a Benjamin 312! (Read 7163 times))

bbv13 · « **on:** April 12, 2016, 12:19:32 AM »

Hi guys,

I don't buy on line very often but I found a deal that I couldn't turn down! $100 including shipping so I pulled the trigger! I didn't get home from work until about 7:00pm so I only had a half hour to try it out but so far I can't find anything wrong with it! It's a 1960 model 312 and it shoots hard. I gave it some Secret Sauce and I'm hoping it holds air over night? The only thing I noticed is that I had to cock it before pumping like my Steroid Streak? Maybe someone did a mod down the line? Anyway the bore looks great and it seems to shoot really good. I pulled the Bar-V off and installed a 273 peep. I had it hitting pretty good before it got dark. I had been dickering around with a local guy that wanted too much for one so it paid off to wait. I think all it needs is a good cleaning? I've been looking for a nice one at a decent price for years and I'm really stoked about this gun!

Bryan

anuthabubba · « **Reply #1 on:** April 12, 2016, 12:23:07 AM »

Kewel! Enjoy.

JoeV · « **Reply #2 on:** April 12, 2016, 12:38:19 AM »

Good catch!! Matching Tootsie Rolls. Lol

I started stripping the brass on mine tonight, getting it ready for a paint job.

bbv13 · « **Reply #3 on:** April 12, 2016, 12:47:53 AM »

Quote from: JoeV on April 12, 2016, 12:38:19 AM

Good catch!! Matching Tootsie Rolls. Lol

I started stripping the brass on mine tonight, getting it ready for a paint job.

There's a lot of fun and satisfaction in restoring these old guns and it addictive!

Bryan

Rob112o · « **Reply #4 on:** April 12, 2016, 03:05:10 AM »

I'm happy for you Bryan. As you know my 312 is my fav. I'm sure if I got my 342 before the 312 it might have the title as The Fav. I just like the short compact slender frame. Like you where saying about it having a shorter stroke. So what it needs an extra pump to match fps with the other guns. It's not hard to pump so doing that extra pump isn't breaking sweat. Now, we are both putting those new peeps to use. I don't know if you recall me saying a couple times; she's the most pellet picky rifle I have. Only 2 grouped ok, 1 was dime and other 1 ragged hole at 10m. Good news is it was the cheap Beeman round nose 15.3gr that shot the best.(which is a carried at Big5) The dime group was the JSB 18.1. Some icing on the cake she is pump count picky with the JSB. I think it has to do with the shorter stroke with the heavier pellet. On 3 pumps quarter size spread 4 pumps dime groups?? Well, I do hope yours isn't picky and if she is let it like some cheapies the best.

bbv13 · « **Reply #5 on:** April 12, 2016, 11:09:52 AM »

Thank you Rob,

I do remember you saying that. I've got a few pumpers that are finicky but more about how many pumps and not so much about pellets. Some group better with 4 pumps or 6 or even 8 with heavier pellets. I don't punch a lot of paper unless I'm sighting in a gun, tweaking the sights or just get in that mood. Most of my shooting is done off hand at 10 to 25 yards at small tagets like bottle caps and small cans. I also have some spinners. For a lack of a better way to say it I find plinking to be less like work and more relaxing than trying to shoot that perfect group.

The stock forearm have some scuffs and scratches but no cracks and the finish on the metal is about 50%. I think I'm just going to clean it and leave it as is. I would really like to find a vintage brass 273 peep to go on it.

It held air over night so I think it's okay? After shooting it some more I may rest it a week just to see what happens?

Do you or any of you that own a Benjamin 310, 317 or 312 have to cock your gun before it will take a pump? That's the only odd thing about this gun.

Bryan

RobertMcC · « **Reply #6 on:** April 12, 2016, 11:18:40 AM »

Congrats I bought one last month. Cost me 140$ CAD + shipping. It came with a bugger up cam plate, screws, bolt lock and major blow by from the breach. The nickel needs to be cleaned up there is some black tarnish.

I just wish I can find some flat head screws to replace the phillips they send me. The 397 bolt worked great to keep the bolt blow by down.

I store mine with 1 pump of air in it when not in use. But mine will take air before I cock it. I pump than cock it, chamber and fire.

Mines shooting 660-713 FPS... Closer to 700 with 9 pumps with the o ring bolt.

Cannot wait to install the No273 rear peep.

amb5500c · « **Reply #7 on:** April 12, 2016, 11:29:07 AM »

Good buy.
Richard

Rob112o · « **Reply #8 on:** April 12, 2016, 02:31:45 PM »

No I don't have to cock first to pump. Someone probably wanted to dump more pumps in her. Here are 2 hammer springs I have for the 31x's if you want to take yours out and measure:

bbv13 · « **Reply #9 on:** April 12, 2016, 04:12:04 PM »

I'm hoping I don't have to tear it down anytime soon? My first thought was that it had been modified a little. It doesn't look like the pump arm has been abused. I just wondered if anyone else had one that needed cocking. Thanks for the information I'll make a note just in case I have to reseal it.

Bryan

avator · « **Reply #10 on:** April 12, 2016, 04:50:19 PM »

Nice grab Bry !
I love both my tootsie rolls... 312 and the 347.

bbv13 · « **Reply #11 on:** April 12, 2016, 08:37:32 PM »

Thanks Bill,

I'm looking forward to shooting it.

Bryan

RobertMcC · « **Reply #12 on:** April 12, 2016, 08:52:28 PM »

I love the nice trigger on them.

bbv13 · « **Reply #13 on:** April 13, 2016, 12:16:08 AM »

Quote from: RobertMcC on April 12, 2016, 08:52:28 PM

I love the nice trigger on them.

They do have a nice trigger and it's very simple unlike guns made today.

Bryan

Extreme · « **Reply #14 on:** April 13, 2016, 12:28:57 AM »

Yes sir, I have a 310 and 312 two piece cocking bolt that needs to be cocked before either takes air. To store it's de cocked with one pump.
These are great guns!!

avator · « **Reply #15 on:** April 13, 2016, 07:11:19 AM »

I lucked into the '69 347 when a co-worker inherited it and claimed he had no use for a "BB" gun. He couldn't really describe it when he first told me about it so I asked him to bring it by the house. When he pulled it out of the sleeve he had behind the seat of his truck I knew instantly what it was. It was in exactly the condition you see it in the picture... near mint. And shot like it was made yesterday. He told me what he would take for it and I gave him double that amount. I still stole it for about $60. Ever since that day I wanted a 312 and it took nearly a year and a half to find one. This one popped up on the Yellow and I took a chance. I got it for just over $100 and had to "sauce" the seals, squeeze the valve spring and refresh the clear coat on the wood. I have one other "tootsie roll" gun in my collection. A first var. Crosman 760 made in July of '66 which I got from another co-worker for $25 and put a kit in it. I have yet to address the cosmetics and I'm in no hurry, I like the "well used" look of it.

grimeszee · « **Reply #16 on:** April 13, 2016, 08:10:41 AM »

Nice 760

bbv13 · « **Reply #17 on:** April 13, 2016, 11:41:00 AM »

Quote from: Extreme .457 on April 13, 2016, 12:28:57 AM

Yes sir, I have a 310 and 312 two piece cocking bolt that needs to be cocked before either takes air. To store it's de cocked with one pump.
These are great guns!!

How are you de-cocking your guns?

Bryan

RobertMcC · « **Reply #18 on:** April 13, 2016, 11:43:00 AM »

Quote from: bbv13 on April 13, 2016, 11:41:00 AM

Quote from: Extreme .457 on April 13, 2016, 12:28:57 AM
Yes sir, I have a 310 and 312 two piece cocking bolt that needs to be cocked before either takes air. To store it's de cocked with one pump.
These are great guns!!

How are you de-cocking your guns?

Bryan

Pull back the hammer, whiling still holding it, pull the trigger and let it go forward under control.

Airhunter177 · « **Reply #19 on:** April 13, 2016, 11:48:44 AM »

Great looking 312, BBV!

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I finally scored a Benjamin 312!

Author Topic: I finally scored a Benjamin 312! (Read 7163 times))